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anonymous 22 April 2010

Hello & Thanks for reading this post

I am a recording newbe and I'm having some problems deciding what gear to start with.

I've got a windows/hopefully soon Linux Laptop without firewire
Have a Clavinova MIDI Keyboard and MidiSport UNO MIDI device

I am planning on travelling around in camper van and would like to be able to record sound on the way.

I would like to be able to record local bands - so I need a few inputs & mics - or a mic that everbody can group around.

I live in Switzerland and gear here costs a little bit more (that Brick thing costs aroung 600 $)

I am currently saving up for the camper van, so I don't have heaps to invest. All in all the system shouldn't cost more than 500 $.

I would be grateful of a list of must-haves.

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Comments

Guitarfreak Thu, 04/22/2010 - 08:25

Definitely save up for the laptop with FireWire, that is a must. Few SM57's cover a lot of ground and shouldn't cost you too much. You could use an SM58 or cheap condenser on vox, doesn't really matter. You are going to need stands and cables and enough space in the van to store them. You also need a DAC unit, which is going to process the mic signals and send them to the computer to be recorded using software. This is your biggest hurdle.

Mics:
Drums: 3x SM57
Guitars: 2x SM57 (assuming there are two guitarists, if not you could use the other mic on the drumset)
Bass: 1xSM57
Vox: 1xSM58 or AT2020

Total Mics: $700

DAC: PreSonus Digimax D8

Total Mics and DAC: $1100 USD

Then you factor in stands and cables and you are coming out around $1300 USD.

Remember, this is a very basic setup. It comes down to what you want to do, recording a band is no easy feat, and it's not a cheap one either. If you are not looking for a quality recording with part separation that is editable and mixable but are just looking to hear it on tape then forget everything I said and buy a single Omnidirectional mic and two channel interface, that should run you to just about the $400 mark.

Guitarfreak Thu, 04/22/2010 - 09:33

Oops, sorry. This is the one that I usually recommend and it does have FireWire out. Hey, at least I was trying to save you some money :D

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FireStuProj/

I would go with the isolated channel method, although it is more expensive, there is more opportunity for revenue so you will make back what you invested over time. Unless I am misunderstanding your question.

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